Notes on Jesus as the New Adam and Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant
Introduction
Jesus as the New Adam marries the New Eve (Mary).
Discussion of the Ark of the Covenant in relation to Jesus and Mary.
Jesus as New Manna
New Testament depicts Jesus as the new manna from heaven (John 6).
Jesus describes himself as the bread from heaven.
Question arises: If Jesus is the new manna, where is the new Ark?
Old Testament: The Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant is a significant object in the Old Testament.
Depicted as the dwelling place of God on earth.
In Exodus, the Ark moves with the Israelites through the desert (Exodus 25-40).
Key Elements of the Ark
Dwelling Place of God: God resides in the Ark with His people.
Sacred Container: Made of acacia wood, covered in gold; holds three important items:
Manna from heaven
Tablets of the Ten Commandments
Staff of Aaron
Holy and Incorruptible: Constructed from durable acacia wood, signifying its sacred nature.
Gold Covering: Symbolizes divinity, purity, and holiness; reflects God's presence.
Cloth Covering: The Ark is covered with a blue cloth (Numbers 4:7).
Shekinah Glory: God's glory fills the Ark, emphasizing its holiness (Exodus 40:17-18).
Historical Context
Ark lost during the Babylonian conquest (6th century BC).
Josephus notes that by the time of Jesus, the Ark was not in the Holy of Holies.
Speculations about the Ark's fate abound, including theories it is hidden in Ethiopia.
Second Maccabees Account
Jeremiah hid the Ark before the Babylonian destruction (2 Maccabees 2).
Location of the Ark remains unknown until God's glory returns.
New Testament: Mary as the New Ark
Mary depicted as the new Ark of the Covenant in Luke 1:35 (Annunciation).
The Holy Spirit overshadows her, paralleling the glory cloud overshadowing the Ark.
Parallels between Mary and the Ark
Visitation to Elizabeth: Similar events occur that mirror the Old Testament (2 Samuel 6).
David asks how the Ark can come to him; Elizabeth asks how Mary can come to her.
Both figures interact with joy and blessing.
Duration: The Ark stays with Obed-edom for three months, paralleled by Mary's visit to Elizabeth.
Revelation Connection: Revelation 11:19 depicts the Ark in heaven, coinciding with the imagery of Mary.
Implications of Mary as the New Ark
Holiness: Mary's body is consecrated, making her holy as the dwelling place of God.
Contents of Mary: Contains Jesus – the Word made flesh, the bread of life, the eternal priest.
Bodily Assumption: Mary's body being taken into heaven aligns with the Ark's incorruptibility.
Pope Benedict XVI remarked on the fittingness of Mary's assumption due to her being the new Ark.
Conclusion
Understanding Mary as the new Ark of the Covenant enhances comprehension of her role in salvation history, her holiness, and the significance of her body being assumed into heaven.